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Original poster

DC feeling ill, negative LFT, school tomorrow

56 replies

Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 11:53

Hello

Not really sure what to do. DC has complained of a sore throat and headaches this weekend. He woke early morning feeling rubbish, snotty nose, really sore throat, slight temp, blocked ear, headache. For context, he never gets ill, I cant remember the last time he had a cold.

I did a LFT and it was negative. Although tbh, he hates them and so not sure how well it went.

What do I do about school tomorrow? Pre-covid I wouldn't have chalked it to a cold and thought nothing of it. I know colds still exist and it probably is just a cold but now, you always think but what if its covid! Fwiw, I feel a bit run down with a blocked ear too but I have had a really stressful time at work so thought it was just that.

Should I test again, keep off school etc or just plough on?

OP posts:
Fizbosshoes · 05/09/2021 13:18

I've never heard this rule for a temperature; only for sickness and/or diarrhoea

Me either.....although my DC school dont even advise 48 hours for sickness either...Confused

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 05/09/2021 13:23

Temperature….PCR and stay off school

Antinerak · 05/09/2021 13:26

Ear pain and headaches suggest it's a pretty nasty cold or covid. Either way, keep him off until you get PCR. Get yourself tested too. Fingers crossed it's just a cold

Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 13:27

Thank you for all the replies.

In fairness, whilst he does feel poorly, he is well enough to make endure playing Mario Party with him for the last hour..

Will book a PCR now and keep off school. I'm sure he will wake up right as rain tomorrow but it is necessary.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 13:28

Also whilst I know LFTs are for asymptomatic, even the health minister took when when he woke up feeling groggy, if I remember correctly. It seems silly not to use a test as I have them in the house, so thats why I did.

OP posts:
IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 05/09/2021 14:54

He needs a pcr tests, I wouldn’t be sending him into school covid or not with those symptoms.

Viviennemary · 05/09/2021 14:56

Sore throats and heavy colds are doing the rounds. Keep him off. Even if it isn't CV.

Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 15:02

Yep will keep him off. His temp is 37.7 so not high yet but close? PCRs ordered

OP posts:
ColettesEarrings · 05/09/2021 15:11

The misunderstanding of lft's is ridiculous. Lft's do not stop working when one has symptoms, they are perfectly reasonable to use as a quick screen whilst waiting for a PCR. It's simply that they cannot be used to rule OUT covid in the meantime.

megletthesecond · 05/09/2021 15:14

Get a PCR.
LFT's are only meant to be used as a precaution when there are no symptoms.

RoseWineTime · 05/09/2021 16:52

The temperature for a test is 37.8 I believe, so he doesn’t need a test for that reason, but I would get one anyway.

Abraxan · 05/09/2021 17:02

A high temperature for covid isn't overly high anyway - about 37.8c iirr. I'd keep him off until he has a negative pcr test. They can often be got for same day, even on Sundays here, otherwise for tomorrow morning. From what I've seen recently results are often back within 24 hours, usually sooner.

If he's feeling rubbish I'd keep him off anyway. No one wants him spreading a virus around, even if it's not covid.

Abraxan · 05/09/2021 17:04

And yes, ifs very normal for people to also use a LFT whilst also awaiting a PCR. The key for LFTs is that if it have symptoms they shouldn't be the only test you use - you also need a PCR, which the OP is arranging.

Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 21:42

Well DS is still feeling crappy. Temp went down at bedtime but he really struggled to get to sleep.

Will await PCR and results. Feel a bit sad for him as he only managed two days at school!

I think I panicked this morning and worried if the school would think I was over-reacting.

His temp was so borderline but I am glad PCR is booked and I am making the right decision.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 21:43

Managed to get a strategic Morrisons delivery for tomorrow as well (single parent so if DS is at home, so am I)

OP posts:
Payproblems · 05/09/2021 21:44

Lat flows are to catch without symptoms and also can be neg or positive at different times.
He must do pcr, sore throat isn't listed symptoms but everyone is complaining about it.

Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 05/09/2021 22:00

Yep have ordered a PCR.

Order a PCR is almost like cancel the cheque

OP posts:
Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 06/09/2021 19:13

Does anyone know how long for PCR results to come back?

OP posts:
careerchangeperhaps · 06/09/2021 19:45

@Mycatcontrolsmymovements

Does anyone know how long for PCR results to come back?
About 12 hours round here (SW England) at the moment.
Original poster
Mycatcontrolsmymovements · 06/09/2021 20:19

Thank you, I am also SW

OP posts:
Kales29 · 06/09/2021 21:14

Pcr test for sure. Lft tests are not at all accurate. Many people have tested negative on a lft but positive on a pcr! It gives false reassurance imo.

Even if say be you get a pcr and it is negative and it isn't covid, if they have a fever and unwell they should be off school until at very least the fever goes... To avoid spreading it to other kids who will likely need to get a covid test to rule it out too. My kids school don't allow children in with a fever even before covid!

carlywurly · 06/09/2021 22:20

Just booked myself a pcr. Strong negative on lft but have developed very scratchy throat and tickly cough. 😩

Mindymomo · 07/09/2021 07:27

Don’t forget to register the barcode on your home test when you’ve done it. I forgot and had to ring up after no results 72 hours later, as soon as I registered barcode, negative result came through.

MRex · 07/09/2021 08:34

I struggle to understand sending a child in with those symptoms regardless of covid. I get that it's hard to juggle things with work, but when your child is ill they need to stay home to get better.

QueenHofScotland · 07/09/2021 08:36

PCR - can see you’ve ordered one.

We’ve been asked to get a PCR for sore throats in our local authority. Both DD’s now have a sore throat, heavy cold and cough.

One has tonsillitis - so GP said no need to test. But she’s since developed the cough so is being tested today.

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